Nature Connection is a series of  arts & nature-based learning experiences especially designed for the young child  to cultivate a relationship to the natural world by means of visual and multimedia art projects.  
 
Together we will meet weekly to dive into new projects, creating nature wreaths and spheres, making our own earth and plant-based paints, designing nature wands and building sculptural works made from natural and recycled materials.  We will work with fine art materials such as clay, paints and paper and canvas, and explore working with  an array of natural materials such as eucalyptus branches and leaves, flower petals,  herbs, moss, tree bark and feathers to name just a few.  

These Nature Connection classes have been designed for young children to develop their  pre- literacy skills by listening and working with language, as well as building their cognitive, social- emotional and fine motor development.   The weekly classes utilize materials that are readily accessible in the child’s natural environment as well as materials that can be sourced locally. Materials can be sourced by art & craft stores and from natural terrains; such as parks, and neighborhood outings.  A suggested material list will be provided as well as resources to find materials.
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Weekly series as follows:

Class #1: 
Project: Nature Dough 
Materials: Sand, Flour, Water,  coffee or tea grounds, white glue, flower petals, paper plate, mixing bowl


Class # 2: 
Project: Nature Sculpture
Materials: Air Dry Clay, Paper plate, white glue, Various Botanical items (twigs, herbs, flowers, branches, palm tree parts) string or ribbon, beads, pipe cleaners

Class #3:  
Project: Nature Sphere ** please see my resource list suggestions
Materials: floral foam ball, evergreen branches and/or other green tree branches , flowers with long hardy stems, ribbon, wire, twine


Class # 4:
Project:  Nature Wreath
Materials:  Willow dried wreath, Evergreens, herbs, Eucalyptus branches,  flowers, ribbon

Class # 5:
Project:  Nature Prints
Materials:  very thin fabric or cloth such as  muslin, cotton etc., hand held stone and/ or little hammer, masking tape, wood surface, green fresh juicy leaves ( ex: geranium leaves, leaves with a lot of chlorophyll juice in them…)